Park board hopes new laptops will improve communications

A $7,000 laptop computer purchase approved by the Kewanee Park Board Wednesday is designed to improve communication among board members and park officials.

The board approved the purchase of seven laptops — one for each board member, and for Parks and Recreation Director Brian Johnson and park secretary Peg Bowman.

Johnson said the computers will be able to connect over the Internet to a “drop box” to share information. The system will enable him to send monthly board reports and other communications to the board members over the computers, rather than sending out paper reports.

The laptops will remain the property of the park district, and when any current member leaves the board he or she will turn in the computer to be used by their successor.

The board also discussed the need for a second sprayer for the Baker Park golf course.

Johnson said greenskeeper J.R. Salisbury has requested the sprayer, so that one can be used for herbicide and the other for fungicide.

The sprayer the park district now has needs about $2,500 in repair parts, and the board authorized buying the parts. They also directed Johnson to look for a used sprayer, with the idea of approving a purchase at their February meeting.

Board member Al Salisbury asked about plans to rebuild a restroom building on the golf course’s back nine, which someone set on fire last year.

Johnson said the insurance settlement, after a $2,500 deductible, was about $14,500. Since the restroom cost $18,500 to build last year, the board authorized Johnson to spend an additional $4,000 to rebuild the restrooms.

Johnson also told the board that Rob Oldeen has agreed again to provide catfish for stocking into the Windmont lagoon. Oldeen is donating $6,000 for the fish, he said.

Last year the board set a limit of four fish per person, after receiving complaints that some people were taking as many as 50 fish at a time from the lagoon.

Oldeen thanked the park board for setting that limit, Johnson said. “The reason the Oldeens do this is to let kids catch those fish,” he said,

Johnson also pointed out that last month the board voted not to raise any park fees for 2013.

The board also left in place the policy that those who purchase season passes for Baker Park will get a $25 discount if they buy before April 1. All who purchase the passes will also receive a certificate for $25 worth of food from the 19th Hole restaurant at the golf course.